Collapsible barbeque system

ABSTRACT

A tub in a generally rectilinear configuration has a rear face, a front face and side faces. The tub has a closed bottom and an open top. The tub contains heating elements with controls in the front face. The controls are adapted to be manipulated by a user during operation and use. A lid in a generally rectilinear configuration has a posterior element and an anterior element. The posterior element has a rear face, an open front and side faces. The posterior element has an open bottom and a closed top. The anterior element has a front face, an open rear and side faces. The posterior element has an open bottom and a closed top. The rear of the anterior element is adapted to slidably couple with respect to the front of the posterior element. In this manner movement is provided between an expanded and contracted orientation.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present Non-Provisional U.S. Patent Application is based upon U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/959,713 filed Jul. 16, 2007, the subjectmatter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a collapsible barbeque system and moreparticularly pertains to cooking on a grill with a system which isreconfigurable between an expanded operative orientation adapted for useand contracted inoperative orientation adapted for storage, all in asafe, convenient and economic manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The popularity of gas barbecue grills has increased tremendously overthe recent decades. Most recently, a trend has formed for stainlesssteel products, especially with regards to backyard, gas barbecuegrills, and the very latest trend has shown an ever increasing demandfor portability and convenience among many products, but especially whenit comes to barbecue grills. These trends have opened a need in themarket which has yet to be successfully filled. Currently there does notappear to be any portable barbecue device offered that can compareclosely to a beautiful, backyard, stainless steel gas grill. Likewise,there does appear to exist, in the market, a beautiful, highcooking-capacity, free-standing, stainless steel, gas barbecue grillthat is in any reasonable or practical way portable.

Accordingly, to fill this need, a product must be introduced into themarket that can adequately make up for the respective shortcomings ofboth the typical, backyard, gas barbecue grill as well as the standard,portable, barbecue grill. Such an apparatus should be fueled by gas,such as propane, have a large cooking surface, be capable of outputtinghigh temperature ranges, be constructed of a durable,aesthetically-pleasing material, such as stainless steel, provide addedconveniences, such as side shelves and electric igniters, and all atonce be handily portable. The present invention successfully fills theseneeds and provides advantages that go beyond them.

In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of barbequesystems of known designs and configurations now present in the priorart, the present invention provides an improved collapsible barbequesystem. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, whichwill be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a newand improved collapsible barbeque system and method which has all theadvantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

The present invention, in summary, relates to a barbecue cookingapparatus. More specifically, it relates to a collapsible, portable gasbarbecue grill apparatus which can be easily transported or stored away.When fully expanded and set up for use, the barbecue apparatus much moreclosely resembles a typical backyard barbecue grill than it does aportable barbecue grill. It is the intent behind the invention toprovide an aesthetically pleasing device which at first does not appearto be intended for portability, however, can be easily and quickly, withvery minimal effort, collapsed into a very portable form.

The barbecue apparatus consists of five major elements which fittogether to form a full assembly of the invention. The lid of thebarbecue apparatus consists of two elements, an anterior and aposterior, which fit together to form a lid assembly. This lid assemblysits atop, and is attached to, a lower, main cooking element, whichcontains all of the heat producing components necessary for barbecuegrilling. The lid assembly bears the capability of expanding in overallsize so as to fit within it the lower, main cooking element upon whichit is attached. As the anterior element of the lid is pulled forward andaway from the posterior element, the lid assembly collapses itselfcompletely around the lower, main cooking element of the apparatus andall of its components. Mechanisms on the underside of the main cookingelement lock this collapsed assembly together.

The assembly of the anterior element, posterior element, and maincooking element sit atop the fourth element, a removable stand which hastwo large wheels and two smaller castors which swivel. This stand iscapable being easily collapsed into folded form. When the stand is inits fully expanded or unfolded form, a bottom mount allows for theplacement of a gas fuel tank which is then secured in place by anothermount towards the top of the stand. The same mechanisms which lock thelid assembly down around the cooking element are also utilized to lockthe cooking element onto the stand. When the stand is collapsed into itsfolded form, it doubles as a cart, similar in form to that of a handtruck dolly. In this folded form the assembly of the anterior element,posterior element, and main cooking element fit onto a hitch which isattached to the cart. This keeps the assembly in place while it iswheeled off.

A fifth element of the barbecue apparatus consists of a foldable shelfwhich simply drops into place over either the left or right side of themain cooking element. One or two of these shelves may be used or theymay be left off completely and the barbecue apparatus will stillmaintain full cooking capabilities. Overall, the entire barbecue cookingapparatus employs the full cooking capabilities of a standard, threeburner, electrically ignited, gas barbecue grill. It is able to reachcomparably high temperature ranges and has a comparably large cookingsurface. In its expanded form the barbecue apparatus appears as astandard, free-standing, home barbecue grill, and when collapsed intoportable form, it is lightweight enough so that it may be carried by theaverage adult.

More specifically, the present invention comprises a collapsiblebarbeque system. First provided is a tub. The tub is in a rectilinearconfiguration. The tub has a rear face. The tub has a front face. Therear and front faces are separates by a depth. The tub has side faces.The side faces are provided between the front and rear faces. The sidefaces are separated by a width. The tub has a closed bottom. The tub hasan open top. The bottom and top are separated by a height. The tub hasheating elements. The tub has rotary controls. The rotary controls areprovided in the front face. The rotary controls are adapted to bemanipulated by a user during operation and use.

A lid is provided. The lid is in a rectilinear configuration. The lidhas a posterior element. The lid has an anterior element. The posteriorelement has a rear face. The posterior element has an open front. Therear faces and open front are separated by a depth. The posteriorelement has side faces. The side faces are provided between the frontand rear face. The side faces are separated by a width. The posteriorelement has an open bottom. The posterior element has a closed top. Thebottom and top are separated by a height. The anterior element has afront face. The anterior element has an open rear. The front face andopen rear are separated by a depth. The anterior element has side faces.The side faces are provided between the rear and front face. The sidefaces are separated by a width. The posterior element has an openbottom. The posterior element has a closed top. The open bottom andclosed top are separated by a height. The rear of the anterior elementis adapted to slidably receive the front of the posterior element. Inthis manner movement is provided between an expanded and contractedorientation. When in the expanded orientation the anterior element onlypartially receives the posterior element. In this manner the lid isadapted to be lowered to receive and totally encompass the tub duringstorage. When in the collapsed orientation the posterior element isfully received by the anterior element. In this manner the lid isadapted to be resting atop the tub during use. A hinge is attached tothe top of the rear face of the tub for pivotally coupling the lid tothe tub.

Provided next is a removable stand. The stand has a central leg. Thestand has side legs. Each leg has an upper end. The upper end is adaptedto couple to the lower face of the tub and a lower end. The stand has alower support. The lower support has wheels. The lower support hascasters. The casters are coupled to the lower ends of the legs. The legshave pivot pins. The pivot pins couple the legs at central extentsintermediate the upper and lower ends. The legs are pivotable between afolded orientation and an unfolded orientation. In the foldedorientation the lower support is adjacent to the tub and adapted forstorage. In the unfolded orientation the lower support is spaced fromthe tub and adapted for use.

Further provided is an upper locking sub-assembly includes a base plateattached beneath the tub with a downwardly extending post. An upper panhas an upwardly extending sleeve receiving the post. A toggle arm has acentral bearing surface and lateral apertures adapted to oscillate onthe sleeve. A lower pan slidably receives the upper pan with lateralsupports attached to the base plate. A handle is adapted to reciprocatethe upper pan to oscillate the toggle arm. A lock rod has a near endcoupled to an aperture in the toggle arm and a free end movable into anaperture in the lid. The lock rod is adapted to move between a retractedunlocking orientation and an extended locking orientation coupling thelid to the tub.

A lower locking sub-assembly includes a cross bar with a centrallypositioned upwardly extending pivot pin extending upwardly through thecentral leg of the stand. The cross bar is located beneath the centralleg with downwardly extending fingers. The pivot pin has a washer and ahandle above the central leg. Locking bars have apertured interior endsreceiving the fingers. The locking bars have free ends movable intoapertures in the side legs to lock the legs in a collapsed orientation.

Provided last is a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has a horizontalsection below. The horizontal section receives cooking-related objects.Each shelf has a hook shaped end above. In this manner each shelf may beremovably positioned over a side edge of the tub. Each shelf has avertical section. The vertical section couples the horizontal sectionand the hook shaped end.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved collapsible barbeque system which has all of the advantages ofthe prior art barbeque systems of known designs and configurations andnone of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved collapsible barbeque system which may be easily and efficientlymanufactured and marketed.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved collapsible barbeque system which is of durable and reliableconstructions.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved collapsible barbeque system which is susceptible of a low costof manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and whichaccordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consumingpublic, thereby making such collapsible barbeque system economicallyavailable to the buying public.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide acollapsible barbeque system for cooking on a grill with a system whichis reconfigurable between an expanded operative orientation adapted foruse and contracted inoperative orientation adapted for storage, all in asafe, convenient and economic manner.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved collapsible barbeque system. A tub in a generally rectilinearconfiguration has a rear face, a front face and side faces. The tub hasa closed bottom and an open top. The tub contains heating elements withcontrols in the front face. The controls are adapted to be manipulatedby a user during operation and use. A lid in a generally rectilinearconfiguration has a posterior element and an anterior element. Theposterior element has a rear face, an open front and side faces. Theposterior element has an open bottom and a closed top. The anteriorelement has a front face, an open rear and side faces. The posteriorelement has an open bottom and a closed top. The rear of the anteriorelement is adapted to slidably couple with respect to the front of theposterior element. In this manner movement is provided between anexpanded and contracted orientation.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 presents four perspective views which illustrate the process bywhich the invention changes from expanded form to collapsed form. WithinFIG. 1:

FIG. 1-A is a perspective view of the invention in-fully-expanded form.

FIG. 1-B is a partially-exploded perspective view of the main elementsof the invention separated from one another but prior to being set intocollapsed and folded forms.

FIG. 1-C is a partially-exploded perspective view of the main elementsof the invention after they have been set into collapsed and foldedforms.

FIG. 1-D is a partially-exploded perspective view of the main elementsof the invention as they fit together after being set into collapsed andfolded forms.

FIG. 2 presents three perspective views which illustrate the process bywhich two upper elements of the invention collapse around a lowerelement of the invention. Within FIG. 2:

FIG. 2-A is a perspective view of three elements of the inventionshowing the first step of the procedure for collapsing these saidelements.

FIG. 2-B is a perspective view of three elements of the inventionshowing the second step of the procedure for collapsing these saidelements.

FIG. 2-C is a perspective view of three elements of the inventionshowing the fully collapsed form of these said elements.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two elements of the invention withphantom lines shown to indicate the alignment of these two elements asthey fit together to form an assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from a top angle of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from a bottom angle of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a partially-exploded perspective view of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of one element of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from a bottom angle of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from a top angle of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the various component partsof one element of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the various component partsof one element of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the various component partsof three elements of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the various component partsof one element of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded perspective view of two elements of theinvention with phantom lines shown to indicate the alignment of variouscomponents of the invention as they fit together.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from a top angle of various components ofthe invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view from a top angle of variouscomponents of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view from a top angle of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view from a bottom angle of one element of theinvention.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of one element of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of various component parts of theinvention with hidden components depicted by hidden lines.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of various component parts of theinvention.

FIG. 22 is an illustration with five perspective views which illustratethe process by which the invention changes from expanded form tocollapsed form similar to FIG. 1 but with the two locking sub-assembliesadded.

FIG. 23 is a perspective illustration of the system from below with thesystem expanded for use.

FIG. 24 is a perspective illustration of the system from below with thesystem collapsed.

FIG. 25 is a perspective illustration of the upper locking sub-assemblyshown being moved in FIGS. 25-A, 25-B and 25-C from the unlocked tolocked orientations.

FIG. 26 is a perspective illustration of the lower locking sub-assemblyshown being moved in FIGS. 26-A, 26-B and 26-C from the unlocked tolocked orientations.

FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of the lower locking sub-assemblyshown being moved in FIGS. 27-A, 27-B and 27-C from the locked tounlocked orientations.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective illustration of the lower lockingsub-assembly.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective illustration of the upper lockingsub-assembly.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof,the preferred embodiment of the new and improved collapsible barbequesystem embodying the principles and concepts of the present inventionwill be described.

As shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1-A depicts afully expanded form of the barbecue apparatus. This is the form in whichit is to be used for cooking and this form will generally be referred toby the reference number 1. The barbecue apparatus 1 is comprised ofseveral elements which include the anterior lid 2, posterior lid 3,cooking tub 4, cart-stand 5, and a side shelf 6 shown on both the leftand right sides of the cooking tub 4. All components that make up theseelements, unless otherwise specified, are typically comprised of metalsuch as steel, aluminum, brass, sheet metal, or the like.

Posterior lid 3 is not visible in FIG. 1-A or 1-B, however the rear-mostportion of posterior lid 3 is visible in FIGS. 1-C and 1-D. Throughoutthis description and in the accompanying drawings each side shelf willbe referred to by the reference number 6. Both the left side shelf 6 andright side shelf 6 are identical in design and differ only in that oneis rotated with respect to the other by 180 degrees about a verticalaxis. As depicted in FIG. 1-B, the left side shelf 6, right side shelf6, and cart-stand 5 separate from the cooking tub 4.

The cooking tub 4 collapses into the assembly formed by anterior lid 2and posterior lid 3 as shown in FIG. 2 wherein is depicted the method bywhich this is carried out. By this method, the anterior lid 2 is pulleda limited distance away from the posterior lid 3 as indicated by thearrows in FIG. 2-A. The rear-most part of the posterior lid 3 becomesvisible in FIG. 2-B. As the anterior lid 2 and the posterior lid 3 arepulled apart past a given point, they are lowered around the cooking tub4 with the assistance of gravity, as indicated by the arrows in FIG.2-B, and form the collapsed image depicted in FIG. 2-C.

Attached underneath cooking tub 4 are left lid-lock 7 and right lid-lock8 which are manually engaged to hold cooking tub 4 in place. FIG. 5shows the locations of left lid-lock 7 and right lid-lock 8 with respectto cooking tub 4. FIG. 17-19 illustrate the design of left lid-lock 7which is basically a minor image of right lid-lock 8. All features andfunctions herein described for left lid-lock 7 are similarly applicableto right lid-lock 8. Left lid-lock pin 24 is machined to form ahalf-cylindrical shape on one side and a tapered end on the oppositeside of its rod length. In FIG. 17-19 the tapered end is depicted totowards the left and the half-cylindrical end towards the right. Leftlid-lock pin 24, lock pin ball 25 and lock ball pressure spring 87 arehoused between left lid-lock pin guide 23 and left lid-lock pin baseplate 26. Left lid-lock pin guide 23 and left lid-lock pin base plate 26are attached by any preferred method of welding as known in the art toform a housing. As left lid-lock pin 24 slides laterally within thisformed housing, the lock pin ball 25 is under constant pressure by lockball pressure spring 87 against left lid-lock pin guide 23. At either,furthermost, end of the sliding motion of the left lid-lock pin 24, thelock pin ball 25 engages into the grooves in left lid-lock pin guide 23to hold it from sliding freely and prevent undesirable disengagement ofthe left lid-lock pin 24.

As shown in FIG. 5 the tapered ends of left lid-lock pin 7 and rightlid-lock pin 8 are positioned outwardly toward, and aligned with holesin, left tub side 34 and right tub side 35 respectively. When anteriorlid 2 is extended forward and down around cooking tub 4, holes in leftpivot plate 69 and right pivot plate 70 line up with holes in left tubside 34 and right tub side 35 respectively. Left lid-lock pin 24 andright lid-lock pin 28 slide through holes in left tub side 34 and righttub side 35 respectively, then continue to slide into holes in leftpivot plate 69 and right pivot plate 70 respectively to lock cooking tub4 in place while it is collapsed into the extended assembly of anteriorlid 2 and posterior lid 3.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-B and 1-C, cart-stand 5 is designed so asto be easily folded from the upright, standing form shown in FIG. 1-B,here-on referred to as unfolded form, to the folded-down, dolly-likeform shown in FIG. 1-C, here-on referred to as folded form. Cart mounthitch 63, depicted in FIGS. 7 and 13 and visible in FIG. 1-C, fits intocart mount receiver 64 which is located on the underside of cooking tub4 as shown in FIG. 5. By this fitting of cart mount hitch 63 into cartmount receiver 64 the assembly consisting of anterior lid 2, posteriorlid 3, and cooking tub 4 is secured in place onto folded cart-stand 5 sothat it may be rolled away in a similar manner as with a typicalhand-truck or hand-dolly. The manner of transformation of cart-stand 5from unfolded form to folded form will later be described in moredetail.

Side shelf 6, shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 9, and 12 though not necessary forthe utilization of the barbecue apparatus for cooking purposes, servesits own desirable purpose, both aesthetically and practically, and hastherefore been added to the drawings and description. One or two sideshelves 6 may be used. Each attaches by simply placing shelf bracket 42over the top of either left tub side 34 or right tub side 35. The top ofshelf bracket 42 is shaped so that it fits snugly in place over left tubside 34 or right tub side 35. When removed, side shelf 6 may be madeslightly more compact by folding shelf bracket 42 down above shelf 44 asshown in FIG. 1-C. Shelf rivets 92 are used to attach shelf bracket 42to shelf 44 as depicted in FIGS. 8, 9, and 12. Shelf rivets 92 aretypical rivets as known to the art.

For sake of space and since most of the components of the invention areattached in a similar manner, unless otherwise specified, when acomponent is joined or attached to another component by “a preferredmethod of welding typical to the art”, this will here-on be referred toas “a typical weld” or “typically welded”.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 10, the anterior lid 2 is comprisedseveral components. Left lid side 67 and right lid side 68 are attachedto lid top 66 by a typical weld. Lid beam 83 is typically welded to theunderside of lid top 66 in position shown in FIG. 3. Heat shield 84 isplaced between lid beam 83 and the inner-front of lid top 66. As thecomponents are depicted in FIG. 10, the 90 degree bend at thelower-right of heat shield 84 fits into the squared U-channel at thelower-right of lid top 66. To hold it in place, the upper-left 90 degreebend of heat shield 84 is attached to lid beam 83 by either smallrivets, not shown, or by a typical weld. Though not shown in drawings,ribs may be added along face of heat shield 84 for strength and toprevent it from warping when heated.

As shown in FIG. 10, two fender washers, each referred to as handlewasher 86, are placed on the inside of, and aligned with the holes in,lid top 66 and are to be typically welded in place. Permanentlyattaching them to the inside of lid top 66 will add structural supportto prevent deformation of the front face of lid top 66, should handle 88be hit with a blunt force from the outside, for example: by slidingaround a pickup truck bed. Handle 88 consists of a curved metal tubewith two metal rods welded equidistant from the midpoint on the lid-sideof the tube. The rods are slightly bent so-as to enter the holes on theface of lid top 66 perpendicularly. A portion of the ends of each rodare threaded and a flange placed at the base of the thread. Each rod ispositioned in its respective hole and held in place by handle nut 85.

With reference now to FIGS. 3, 10, and 14, left pivot plate 69, leftpivot bearing 71, and left keeper bracket 74 are, respectively, mirrorimages of right pivot plate 70, right pivot bearing 72, and right keeperbracket 75. All features, functions, and descriptions of assembly hereindescribed for left pivot plate 69, left pivot bearing 71, and leftkeeper bracket 74 are similarly applicable to right pivot plate 70,right pivot bearing 72, and right keeper bracket 75. For sake ofavoiding redundancy only the description of right pivot plate 70, rightpivot bearing 72, and right keeper bracket 75 will be detailedthoroughly, although, to assist in clarity, reference may be made toleft pivot plate 69, left pivot bearing 71, and left keeper bracket 74as depicted in FIG. 14.

FIG. 21 shows the side of right pivot plate 70 that faces right lid side68. Right pivot bearing 72 is attached to right pivot plate 70 by atypical weld in the position shown in FIG. 21. Keeper stop 73 is alsoattached to right pivot plate 70 by a typical weld in the position shownin FIG. 21. Right keeper bracket 75 is positioned loosely in theposition shown in FIG. 21. This location is between right pivot plate 70and right lid side 68 when they are assembled. Right keeper bracket 75is intended to slide freely within this position. As the images of thecomponents are portrayed in FIG. 21, right keeper bracket 75 has afolded tab at its top left which is angled towards the right. This tabis intended to come in contact with the top-left horizontal edge ofright pivot plate 70 when right keeper bracket 75 is loaded by lidspring 15 to prevent it from traveling past that point. Keeper stop 73has a similar folded tab which contacts the bottom of right keeperbracket 75 and also serves to limit its travel.

The assembly consisting of right pivot plate 70, right pivot bearing 72,and keeper stop 73 is attached to right lid side 68 at the positionshown in FIG. 3 by a typical weld along the mating surfaces of thesecomponents. As the images of the components are portrayed in FIG. 10,these mating surfaces are: between the tab at the top-right of rightpivot plate 70 and the parallel face of right lid side 68 and along thebottom of right pivot plate 70 and the parallel edge at the bottom ofright lid side 68.

Posterior lid 3 is designed to fit inside of anterior lid 2. Withreference now to FIGS. 3, 11, and 14, posterior lid 3 is assembled inthe following manner. Left lid insert side 76 and right lid insert side77 are typically welded to lid insert top 78 to form the arrangementshown in FIG. 3. Left insert stop arm 81 is typically welded to theoutside face of left lid insert side 76 and right insert stop aim 82 istypically welded to the outside face of right lid insert side 77 atpositions respectively depicted in FIG. 3.

One lid spring bracket 14 is typically welded to the inside face of leftlid insert side 76 and one lid spring bracket 14 is typically welded tothe inside face of right lid insert side 77. The relative position oflid spring bracket 14 is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 14. One support bracket80 is attached by a typical weld towards the left of the inside face oflid insert top 78 and one support bracket 80 is also attached towardsthe right of the inside face of lid insert top 78. Each is placedvertically, as shown oriented in FIGS. 3 and 14. For clearance purposes,each must be placed at an adequate distance from left lid insert side 76and right lid insert side 77 respectively so as to allow enoughclearance for left and right pivot plates 69 and 70 to pass between sothey may come into contact with the inside face of lid insert top 78when posterior lid 3 is fully inserted into anterior lid 2. Fold tabridge 79 is attached at position shown in FIGS. 3 and 14. One end of lidspring 15 is inserted into hole in lid spring bracket 14 on both theright and left sides of posterior lid 3.

The following is a description of the position of the various componentsof posterior lid 3 with respect to various components of anterior lid 2.The positions and functions of the left side components are basically amirror image of, and are similar to, those of the right side components.

For sake of avoiding virtually repeating the descriptions, only theright side components will be described in detail. All details relativeto this description are to be understood as being similarly applicableto both the right side components as well as the left side components.The assembly consisting of posterior lid 3 and anterior lid 2 will bereferred to as lid assembly 2, 3.

With reference to FIG. 14, when posterior lid 3 is inserted intoanterior lid 2, right insert stop arm 82, right lid insert side 77, lidspring bracket 14, and lid spring 15 pass between right pivot plate 70and right lid side 68. After posterior lid 3 is inserted into anteriorlid 2, right keeper bracket 75 is inserted between right pivot plate 70and right insert stop arm 82 and attached to the loose end of lid spring15. Lid spring 15 serves two major functions. First, it holds rightkeeper bracket 75 in place behind right pivot plate 70, and second itapplies a force sufficient to support at least half of the total weightof posterior lid 3 and keep it fully inserted into anterior lid 2 whenthe lid assembly 2, 3 of the barbecue apparatus 1 is lifted open duringnormal use. Lid spring 15 should be comprised of a material that willretain its elasticity when repeatedly heated to the high temperaturesnormally produced during cooking.

The end of right insert stop arm 82 is fold back to form an acute angleso as to prevent it from sliding past right keeper bracket 75. Rightkeeper bracket 75 serves to limit the travel of right insert stop arm 82along with the rest of posterior lid 3, as well as support the weight ofposterior lid 3 and cooking tub 4 when assembly is in collapsed form 2,3, 4 as in FIG. 2. Support bracket 80 serves to distribute the weight ofcooking tub 4 along the inside face of posterior lid 3 as well as holddrip pan 16 in place within cooking tub 4. As depicted in FIG. 20, rightpivot bearing 72 acts as a load bearing component of lid assembly 2, 3as it pivots about right hinge pivot 37.

Fold tab ridge 79 serves three purposes. First, it adds rigidity to lidinsert top 78. Second, tabs at either end are to be folded down behindright hinge pivot 37 and left hinge pivot 36 after lid assembly 2,3 ispositioned onto cooking tub 4 so as to keep these elements in place.Third, it acts to limit the angle to which the lid assembly 2, 3 ofbarbecue apparatus 1, can be opened by coming into contact with theupper-rear of cooking tub 4 when lid assembly 2, 3 is lifted fully openduring normal use. Finally, slots punched or cut into lid insert top 78serve as exhaust vents to allow spent, heated air to escape duringnormal use of barbecue apparatus 1 when lid assembly 2, 3 is in theclosed position. Sufficient spent air must be allowed to escape in orderto allow proper burning of flames from burners 65 during normal use ofbarbecue apparatus 1.

With reference now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 12, the assembly of cooking tub 4will be detailed. Tub front 31 and tub back 32 are typically welded,along the seams of contact, to left tub side 34 and right tub side 35.Tub bottom 33 is positioned between left tub side 34 and right tub side35 and typically welded to tub front 31, left tub side 34, and right tubside 35 along the seams of contact. This forms the basic structure ofcooking tub 4. Drip pan 16 slides loosely into place between tub back 32and tub bottom 33 as shown into position shown in FIG. 5. Drip pan 16simply slides in or out of place and allows for easy cleaning of greasedrippings which are common when cooking on a barbecue device.

As visible in FIG. 12, three of the four sides of drip pan 16 are foldedover and are to be typically welded along the seams. This is intended toprevent grease in the pan from spilling out over the sides when itsposition is shifted about angularly. However, the folded over side alongrearmost edge of drip pan 16 must be kept minimal enough so as to allowsufficient fresh air to enter cooking tub 4 through open area betweentop of drip pan 16 and bottom of tub back 32 during normal use ofbarbecue apparatus 1. Fresh air must be allowed to enter cooking tub 4in order for flames from burners 65 to burn properly. Though not shownin drawings, ribs may be added along face of drip pan 16 for strengthand to prevent it from warping when heated. Left hinge pivot 36 andright hinge pivot 37 are attached by a typical weld to tub back 32 inrespective positions depicted in FIG. 4. Similarly, left knob guard 38and right knob guard 39, which are designed to prevent lid assembly 2, 3from contacting knobs 40 when being collapsed, are attached by a typicalweld to tub front 31 in respective positions depicted in FIG. 4. Cartmount receiver 64 is typically welded to underside of tub bottom 33 inposition shown in FIG. 5. This position should be near the apparentcenter of the rectangular area underneath cooking tub 4. Cart mountreceiver 64 is intended to fit around cart mount hitch 63 of foldedcart-stand 5 and functions to hold cooking tub 4 in place while beingtransported. As depicted in FIG. 5, left lid lock 7 and right lid lock 8are lined up with holes in left tub side 34 and right tub side 35respectively, and attached to the underside of tub bottom 33 by atypical weld. Tapered ends of left lid lock pin 24 and right lid lockpin 28 are to face outward. Heat deflector 21 is typically welded to theunderside of burner 65, functioning to deflect heat from burner 65 awayfrom drip pan 16 during normal use of barbecue apparatus 1, so as toprevent heat-induced deformation of drip pan 16. Vaporizer 22 is mountedabove burner 65. Two “t”-shaped members at top of burner 65 fit throughholes at either end of vaporizer 22, which is then fixed into place byeither a typical weld or by a inserting a cotter pin through a drilledhole near top of “t” shaped member. Vaporizer 22 serves both to protectburner 65 form and also to provide flavor to the food by “vaporizing”any grease that may drip from food being cooked. Three assemblies ofburner 65, heat deflector 21, and vaporizer 22 are used. Each isinserted through one of three large openings in front face of tub bottom33 and fixed in place by a screw or rivet inserted through a hole inflat end of burner 65 into one of three holes in tub back 32.

This completes the assembly as presented in the drawings. However, leftout of the drawings are three gas valves, a valve manifold, a hose andregulator, and an electric ignition system all of which are typical tothe gas barbecue grill industry and, hence, not shown in drawings, theyare to be part of the finished, working assembly of collapsible barbecueapparatus 1.

With reference now to FIGS. 6, 7, 13, 15, and 16 the assembly andfunctions of cart-stand 5 will be detailed. Cart-stand 5 consists ofinner beam 46 attached between front-outer beam 48 and rear-outer beam47 as shown in FIG. 6-7. One spacer 49, shown in FIG. 13, is aligned andmated with each of the holes in inner beam 46, then mated withrespective holes in front-outer beam 48, and rear-outer beam 47. Spacer49 acts to separate inner beam 46 from front-outer beam 48, andrear-outer beam 47, thus minimizing contact surfaces between the beams.As shown positioned in FIGS. 6-7, and 13, front-outer beam 48 isattached to the front-facing side of inner beam 46 by bolt 11 positionedinto the hole in front-outer beam 48, through spacer 49, and through thehole in inner beam 46. Spacer 13 is then placed around end of bolt 11and secured snugly in place by nylon lock nut 12. Rear-outer beam 47 isattached in the same fashion to the rear-facing side of inner beam 46.

Cross beam 51 is attached between bottom ends of front-outer beam 48 andrear-outer beam 47 by a typical weld to each beam. Cart handle 50 isattached, by a typical weld, at the bottom end of inner beam 46 inposition as oriented in FIG. 6, with holes aligned vertically. Onecastor wheel 57 is fitted into each hole at either end of cart handle 50and secured in place by method common to the art. Castor wheel 57 istypically a standard castor with a swiveling hard rubber or plasticwheel as is common in the industry. Top-bar 52 a is attached at the topof inner beam 46 by a typical weld in the position depicted in FIG. 6-7,with notch in bar situated more towards the front and facing down. Thenotch in top-bar 52 a serves to allow left lid lock pin 24 to slidefreely around top-bar 52 a to assist in securing cooking tub 4 tocart-stand 5. Similarly, top-bar 52 b is attached, by a typical weld, atthe top of rear-outer beam 47 and front-outer beam 48 in the positiondepicted in FIG. 6-7, with notch in bar situated more towards the frontand facing down. The notch in top-bar 52 b serves to allow right lidlock pin 28 to slide freely around top-bar 52 b to assist in securingcooking tub 4 to cart-stand 5.

One axle housing bracket 54 is typically welded to the under-side ofrear-outer beam 47 in the position depicted in FIGS. 6-7. Similarly, oneaxle housing bracket 54 is typically welded to the under-side offront-outer beam 48 in the position depicted in FIGS. 6-7. Axle housing53 is centered between and attached to the bottom of each axle housingbracket 54 by a typical weld. Axle housing 53 has three holes drilled orpunched into it at locations depicted in FIG. 13. These holes areintended for pins that will lock connecting tray 56 into place, to bedescribed in more depth in the following paragraph. Wheel axle 89 ispositioned through holes in either end of axle housing 53.

One wheel 55 is placed on each end of wheel axle 89 and each is held inplace by one axle cap 90 placed over each end of wheel axle 89. Wheel 55is to be constructed of either plastic, rubber, or a combination ofplastic and rubber, and may have a metal hub with or without a bearing.Connecting tray 56 is attached to the front-facing side of inner beam 46by rivet 91 and similarly to the rear-facing side of inner beam 46 withanother rivet 91. Each rivet 91 should be of material and diameter so asto withstand the shear forces that will develop when cart-stand 5 isloaded by the weight of the assembly of anterior lid 2, posterior lid 3,cooking tub 4, two of side shelf 6 and any additional items that may beplaced on this assembly during normal use of barbecue apparatus 1.

When cart-stand 5 is in unfolded form, connecting tray 56 will serve tofix, in place, the respective positions of inner beam 46, rear-outerbeam 47, and front-outer beam 48 in an “X”-shaped configuration shown inFIG. 7. Connecting tray 56 will attach to axle housing 53 by methodshown in FIGS. 6 and 15. FIG. 16 shows two of housing-tray pin 17, andone tray lock pin 18. These three pins are positioned as shown in FIG.15, through holes in axle housing 53, and each attached by a typicalweld placed on the underside of axle housing 53. Locking pin 20 andlocking pin guide 19 are then positioned on connecting tray 56 inposition depicted in FIGS. 13 and 15. Locking pin guide 19 is typicallywelded to connecting tray 56 with locking pin 20 free to slide fromside-to-side within it. When cart-stand 5 is in unfolded form,connecting tray 56 is positioned over housing-tray pins 17, and traylock pin 18 and locking pin 20 is moved through hole in tray lock pin 18to fix connecting tray 56 in place as shown in FIG. 15.

Fuel tank 30, as shown in FIG. 7, is held into position by tank mountbase 59 and tank mount arm 60. Tank mount base 59 is attached over topof cross beam 51 and attached by a typical weld to rear-outer beam 47and front-outer beam 48, while oriented in position shown in FIGS. 6-7,with slots facing upward. These slots are used to secure base of fueltank 30 in place. Tank mount arm bracket 61 is attached by a typicalweld to the under-side of inner beam 46 in position shown in FIG. 6.Tank mount arm bracket 61 is positioned so as to be fairly level withthe height at the top of a fuel tank 30. Tank mount arm 60 is attachedto tank mount arm bracket 61 by tank mount arm pin 62, shown in FIGS. 6and 13, which is a typical pin as known to the art. Tank mount arm restsatop rim of carrying handle of fuel tank 30 to hold it in uprightposition when mounted on tank mount base 59. Fuel tank 30 is to be astandard fuel tank, such as a 20 lb propane tank, as known to the gasbarbecue grilling industry.

From the above descriptions, it should be understood that the presentinvention is a collapsible barbeque system comprised of a plurality ofcomponents. Such components in their broadest context include a tub anda lid. Such components are individually configured and correlated withrespect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

First provided is a tub 4. The tub is in a rectilinear configuration.The tub has a rear face. The tub has a front face. The rear and frontfaces are separates by a depth. The tub has side faces. The side facesare provided between the front and rear faces. The side faces areseparated by a width. The tub has a closed bottom. The tub has an opentop. The bottom and top are separated by a height. The tub has heatingelements. The tub has rotary controls 40. The rotary controls areprovided in the front face. The rotary controls are adapted to bemanipulated by a user during operation and use.

A lid 2, 3 is provided. The lid is in a rectilinear configuration. Thelid has a posterior element 3. The lid has an anterior element 2. Theposterior element has a rear face. The posterior element has an openfront. The rear faces and open front are separated by a depth. Theposterior element has side faces. The side faces are provided betweenthe front and rear face. The side faces are separated by a width. Theposterior element has an open bottom. The posterior element has a closedtop. The bottom and top are separated by a height. The anterior elementhas a front face. The anterior element has an open rear. The front faceand open rear are separated by a depth. The anterior element has sidefaces. The side faces are provided between the rear and front face. Theside faces are separated by a width. The posterior element has an openbottom. The posterior element has a closed top. The open bottom andclosed top are separated by a height. The rear of the anterior elementis adapted to slidably receive the front of the posterior element. Inthis manner movement is provided between an expanded and contractedorientation. When in the expanded orientation the anterior element onlypartially receives the posterior element. In this manner the lid isadapted to be lowered to receive and totally encompass the tub duringstorage. When in the collapsed orientation the posterior element isfully received by the anterior element. In this manner the lid isadapted to be resting atop the tub during use. A hinge 37 is attached tothe top of the rear face of the tub for pivotally coupling the lid tothe tub.

Provided next is a removable stand 5. The stand has a central leg 46.The stand has side legs 47, 48. Each leg has an upper end. The upper endis adapted to couple to the lower face of the tub and a lower end. Thestand has a lower support 56. The lower support has wheels 55. The lowersupport has casters 57. The casters are coupled to the lower ends of thelegs. The legs have pivot pins 11. The pivot pins couple the legs atcentral extents intermediate the upper and lower ends. The legs arepivotable between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation. Inthe folded orientation the lower support is adjacent to the tub andadapted for storage. In the unfolded orientation the lower support isspaced from the tub and adapted for use.

An upper locking sub-assembly 100 includes a base plate 102 attachedbeneath the tub with a downwardly extending post 104. An upper pan 106has an upwardly extending pin 108 receiving one lateral aperture of thetoggle arm. A toggle arm 110 has a central bearing surface 112 andlateral apertures 114 adapted to oscillate on the sleeve. A lower pan116 slidably receives the upper pan with lateral supports 118 attachedto the base plate. A handle 120 at adapted to reciprocate the upper panto oscillate the toggle arm through pins 125. A long lock rod 122 has anear end coupled to one lateral aperture in the toggle arm and a freeend movable into an aperture in the lid. A short lock rod 124 is alsomovable into an aperture in the other side of the lid. The lock rods areadapted to move between a retracted unlocking orientation and anextended locking orientation coupling the lid to the tub.

A lower locking sub-assembly 130 includes a cross bar 132 with acentrally positioned upwardly extending pivot pin 134 extending upwardlythrough the central leg of the stand. The cross bar is located beneaththe central leg with downwardly extending fingers 136, 138. The pivotpin has a washer 140 and a handle 142 above the central leg. Lockingbars 144, 146 have apertured interior ends 148, 150 receiving thefingers. The locking bars have free ends movable into apertures in theside legs to lock the legs in a collapsed orientation.

Provided last is a plurality of shelves 6. Each shelf has a horizontalsection below. The horizontal section receives cooking-related objects.Each shelf has a hook shaped end above. In this manner each shelf may beremovably positioned over aside edge of the tub. Each shelf has avertical section. The vertical section couples the horizontal sectionand the hook shaped end.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, thesame should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, nofurther discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will beprovided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A collapsible barbecue system reconfigurable between an expandedoperative orientation and a contracted inoperative orientation, thesystem comprising, in combination: a tub having a rectilinearconfiguration with a rear face and a front face separated by a depth andwith side faces between the front and rear faces separated by a width,the tub having a closed bottom and an open top separated by a height,the tub containing heating elements with controls adapted to bemanipulated by a user during operation and use; and a lid having arectilinear configuration with a posterior element and an anteriorelement, the posterior element having a rear face and an open frontseparated by a depth, the posterior element having side faces betweenthe front and rear faces separated by a width, the posterior elementhaving an open bottom and a closed top separated by a height, theanterior element having a front face and an open rear separated by adepth, the anterior element having side faces between the rear and frontface separated by a width, the posterior element having an open bottomand a closed top separated by a height, the rear of the anterior elementadapted to slidably receive the front of the posterior element formovement between an expanded and contracted orientation, when in theexpanded orientation the posterior element is only partially received inthe anterior element whereby the lid is adapted to be lowered to receiveand totally encompass the tub during storage, when in the collapsedorientation the posterior element being fully received by the anteriorelement whereby the lid is adapted to be resting atop the tub duringuse, the rearward inner sides of the posterior section having hinges forpivotally coupling the lid to the tub.
 2. A collapsible barbecue systemcomprising: a tub having a generally rectilinear configuration with arear face and a front face and with side faces between the front andrear faces, the tub having a closed bottom and an open top separated bya height, the tub containing heating elements with controls in the frontface adapted to be manipulated by a user during operation and use; a lidhaving a generally rectilinear configuration with a posterior elementand an anterior element, the posterior element having a rear face and anopen front and with side faces between the front and rear face, theposterior element having an open bottom and a closed top, the anteriorelement having a front face and an open rear and with side faces betweenthe rear and front face, the posterior element having an open bottom anda closed top, the rear of the anterior element adapted to slidablycouple with respect to the front of the posterior element for movementbetween an expanded and contracted orientation; and an upper lockingsub-assembly including a base plate attached beneath the tub with adownwardly extending post, an upper pan with an upwardly extending postreceiving a lateral aperture in a toggle arm, a toggle arm having acentral bearing surface and lateral apertures adapted to oscillate onthe post, a lower pan slidably receiving the upper pan with lateralsupports attached to the base plate, and a handle with pins adapted toreciprocate the upper pan to oscillate the toggle arm, a long lock rodhaving a near end coupled to an aperture in the toggle arm and a freeend movable into an aperture in the lid, and a short locking rod, thelock rods adapted to move between a retracted unlocking orientation andan extended locking orientations coupling the lid to the tub.
 3. Acollapsible barbecue system comprising: a tub having a generallyrectilinear configuration with a rear face and a front face and withside faces between the front and rear faces, the tub having a closedbottom and an open top separated by a height, the tub containing heatingelements with controls in the front face adapted to be manipulated by auser during operation and use; a lid having a generally rectilinearconfiguration with a posterior element and an anterior element, theposterior element having a rear face and an open front and with sidefaces between the front and rear face, the posterior element having anopen bottom and a closed top, the anterior element having a front faceand an open rear and with side faces between the rear and front face,the posterior element having an open bottom and a closed top, the rearof the anterior element adapted to slidably couple with respect to thefront of the posterior element for movement between an expanded andcontracted orientation; a removable stand having a central leg and sidelegs, each leg having an upper end adapted to couple to the lower faceof the tub and a lower end, a lower support with wheels and casterscoupled to the lower ends of the legs, the legs having pivot pinscoupling the legs at central extents intermediate the upper and lowerends, the legs being pivotable between a folded orientation with thelower support adjacent to the tub and adapted for storage and anunfolded orientation with the lower support spaced from the tub andadapted for use; and a lower locking sub-assembly including a cross barwith a centrally positioned upwardly extending pivot pin extendingupwardly through the central lea of the stand, the cross bar locatedbeneath the central leg with downwardly extending fingers, the pivot pinhaving a washer and a handle above the central leg, and locking barswith apertured interior ends receiving the fingers, the locking barshaving free ends movable into apertures in the side legs to lock thelegs in a collapsed orientation.
 4. A collapsible barbecue system forcooking on a grill with a system which is reconfigurable between anexpanded operative orientation adapted for use and a contractedinoperative orientation adapted for storage, all in a safe, convenientand economic manner, the system comprising, in combination: a tub havinga rectilinear configuration with a rear face and a front face separatedby a depth and with side faces between the front and rear facesseparated by a width, the tub having a closed bottom and an open topseparated by a height, the tub containing heating elements with rotarycontrols in the front face adapted to be manipulated by a user duringoperation and use; a lid having a rectilinear configuration with aposterior element and an anterior element, the posterior element havinga rear face and an open front separated by a depth and with side facesbetween the front and rear face separated by a width, the posteriorelement having an open bottom and a closed top separated by a height,the anterior element having a front face and an open rear separated by adepth and with side faces between the rear and front face separated by awidth, the posterior element having an open bottom and a closed topseparated by a height, the rear of the anterior element adapted toslidably receive the front of the posterior element for movement betweenan expanded and contracted orientation, when in the expanded orientationthe anterior element being only partially receiving the posteriorelement whereby the lid is adapted to be lowered to receive and totallyencompass the tub during storage, when in the collapsed orientation theposterior element being fully received by the anterior element wherebythe lid is adapted to be resting atop the tub during use, the rearwardinner sides of the anterior section having hinges for pivotally couplingthe lid to the tub; a removable stand having a central leg and sidelegs, each leg having an upper end adapted to couple to the lower faceof the tub and a lower end, a lower support with wheels and casterscoupled to the lower ends of the legs, the legs having pivot pinscoupling the legs at central extents intermediate the upper and lowerends, the legs being pivotable between a folded orientation with thelower support adjacent to the tub and adapted for storage and anunfolded orientation with the lower support spaced from the tub andadapted for use; an upper locking sub-assembly including a base plateattached beneath the tub with a downwardly extending post, an upper panwith an upwardly extending post receiving a lateral aperture in a togglearm, a toggle arm having a central bearing surface and lateral aperturesadapted to oscillate on the post, a lower pan slidably receiving theupper pan with lateral supports attached to the base plate, and a handlewith pins adapted to reciprocate the upper pan to oscillate the togglearm, a long lock rod having a near end coupled to an aperture in thetoggle arm and a free end movable into an aperture in the lid, and ashort locking rod, the lock rods adapted to move between a retractedunlocking orientation and an extended locking orientations coupling thelid to the tub; a lower locking sub-assembly including a cross bar witha centrally positioned upwardly extending pivot pin extending upwardlythrough the central leg of the stand, the cross bar located beneath thecentral leg with downwardly extending fingers, the pivot pin having awasher and a handle above the central leg, and locking bars withapertured interior ends receiving the fingers, the locking bars havingfree ends movable into apertures in the side legs to lock the legs in acollapsed orientation; and a plurality of shelves, each shelf having ahorizontal section below for receiving cooling-related objects, eachshelf having a hook shaped end above for removably positioning over aside edge of the tub, each shelf having a vertical section coupling thehorizontal section and the hook shaped end.